Madelia Community Hospital & Clinic Implementing Visitor Restrictions

The staff at the Madelia Community Hospital & Clinic will implement visitor restrictions effective immediately. This action is being taken in response to the large number of influenza cases being seen in the region. Visitation will be restricted as follows:Only immediate family members permitted (Patient spouse or signifi...

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St. James Plaindealer - St. James, MN

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Posted Jan. 12, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Posted Jan. 12, 2013 at 8:00 AM

St. James Plaindealer

The staff at the Madelia Community Hospital & Clinic will implement visitor restrictions effective immediately. This action is being taken in response to the large number of influenza cases being seen in the region. Visitation will be restricted as follows:

Only immediate family members permitted (Patient spouse or significant other, parent, sibling of child)

No children under the age of five

Only two visitors per patient at a time

No one who is ill (i.e. Symptoms of influenza including fever or chills, muscle or body aches, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and fatigue) will be permitted to visit

These restrictions apply to all patients in all areas of the hospitals, including staff members.

Since the start of the influenza season, more than 575 people in Minnesota have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, according the Minnesota Department of Health. Since the start of the influenza season there have been 31 outbreaks of influenza and four influenza-related deaths that have been reported in the state.

“Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective ways for each of us to avoid getting the flu and spreading the illness to others,” says Dr. Owadini Bandara.

Supplies of the flu vaccine are plentiful and readily available. Anyone interested in a flu shot can stop by or call Madelia Community Hospital & Clinic at 507-642-3255.

Officials remind the public, in addition to getting the seasonal flu vaccine; there are other steps everyone can take to prevent contracting and spreading the flu. They include:

Cover your cough

Wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer

If you aren’t feeling well, stay home

If your children are ill, keep them at home

The seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza (flu) viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

The signs and symptoms of the seasonal flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.